Letter To the Editor: Obstruction Of Sale Is Hurting Our Town

By Nora Hall

After town members overwhelming approved its sale to Eva Clulow, why did Ellen Waxman take the sale of the old library on Brown Street to the attorney general’s office? Anyone who has paid attention to this issue realizes we have an empty building in poor repair and desperately in need of a caring and effective caretaker. Ms. Clulow has presented a thorough plan to bring the building back to its previous grandeur that will serve the town well. Instead Ms. Waxman offers a new budget item of $200,000 for renovation that won’t come close to making the building serviceable again. If Town Council believes that to be a sufficient amount to effectively save the building, they should never have closed the building and moved the town offices.

This is the second time Waxman has attempted to derail the sale of this property without providing clear explanations for her obstruction. If she truly believes the referendum to sell was illegal, why didn’t she speak before the vote? Having allowed that vote, Ms. Waxman is now obstructing the wishes of her electorate.

Let’s be real. This once beautiful building is in danger of becoming a blight, and our Town Fathers apparently don’t see any public use for it. Why, then, does Ms. Waxman seem bent on obstructing its sale?

The Chadsey family proclaims concern for their ancestor’s legacy, but it’s time to think creatively. The $10,000 bequeathed by Mr. Chadsey for upkeep has long ago been spent. Ms. Clulow’s proposal states that the building will be available to the public through art exhibits and events. If that building means so much to the Chadsey family, are they willing to support its complete and thorough revival? Surely, Caleb Chadsey wouldn’t want to see his legacy in its current or potential stage of deprivation.

Let’s move on before this delay forces Ms. Clulow to rescind her proposal. Withdraw the request to the attorney general, sell the building and support Ms Clulow in her commitment to save this building and bring new life to town quickly.

Nora Hall

North Kingstown, RI